Bisphosphites having an unsymmetric outer biphenol unit

ABSTRACT

Disclosed herein are compounds of formula (I): 
     
       
         
         
             
             
         
       
         
         
           
             wherein: 
             the groups R 1 , R 2 , R 3 , R 4 , R 5 , R 6 , R 7 , R 8 , R 1 ′, R 2 ′, R 3 ′, R 4 ′, R 5 ′, R 6 ′, R 7 ′, R 8 ′, R 1 ″, R 2 ″, R 3 ″, R 4 ″, R 5 ″, R 6 ″, R 7 ″, R 8 ″ are defined herein; and 
             at least one of the following conditions is satisfied:
           two radicals from at least one of the four following pairs of radicals are not the same radical: R 1 ′ and R 8 ′, R 2 ′ and R 7 ′, R 3 ′ and R 6 ′, R 4 ′ and R 5 ′, and   two radicals from at least one of the four following pairs of radicals are not the same radical: R 1 ″ and R 8 ″, R 2 ″ and R 7 ″, R 3 ″ and R 6 ″, R 4 ″ and R 5 ′.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a Divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No.14/954,339 (issued as U.S. Pat. No. 9,790,244), which was filed on Nov.30, 2015. This application is based upon and claims the benefit ofpriority to European Application No. 14196187.0, which was filed on Dec.4, 2014, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein byreference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

The invention relates to bisphosphites having at least one unsymmetricouter biphenol unit. In addition, the use thereof as ligands inhydroformylation.

Discussion of the Background

A bisphosphite has a central unit, called the backbone, and two outerunits bonded to the central unit via the phosphorus atom. The two outerunits here may be the same, or else different.

The reactions between olefin compounds, carbon monoxide and hydrogen inthe presence of a catalyst to give the aldehydes comprising oneadditional carbon atom are known as hydroformylation or oxo synthesis.The catalysts used in these reactions are frequently compounds of thetransition metals of group VIII of the Periodic Table of the Elements.Known ligands include, for example, compounds of the phosphine,phosphite and phosphonite classes each comprising trivalent phosphorusP^(III). A good overview of the state of the hydroformylation of olefinscan be found in B. CORNILS, W. A. HERRMANN, “Applied HomogeneousCatalysis with Organometallic Compounds”, vol. 1 & 2, VCH, Weinheim,N.Y., 1996 or R. Franke, D. Selent, A. Börner, “AppliedHydroformylation”, Chem. Rev., 2012, DOI:10.1021/cr3001803.

Every catalytically active composition has its specific benefits.According to the feedstock and target product, therefore, differentcatalytically active compositions are used.

U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,694,109 and 4,879,416 describe bisphosphine ligands anduse thereof in the hydroformylation of olefins at low synthesis gaspressures. Particularly in the case of hydroformylation of propene,ligands of this type achieve high activities. WO 95/30680 disclosesbidentate phosphine ligands and the use thereof in catalysis, includingin hydroformylation reactions.

DE 10 2006 058 682 A1 discloses bisphosphites having different butsymmetric outer units, for example compound 1b on page 8 of DE 10 2006058 682 A1.

Even though a multitude of ligands and the use thereof inrhodium-catalysed hydroformylation are known, it is desirable to developnew ligands having improved properties.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The problem addressed by the invention was that of providingbisphosphites having advantageous properties in hydroformylationcompared to the known bisphosphites. The problem addressed was moreparticularly that of developing novel ligands, the use of which, ascompared with structurally similar bisphosphites likewise having threebiphenol units, leads to an improved yield. The improved yield was to beimplemented in the case of at least one olefin.

The present invention provides a compound having the general structure I

wherein

R¹, R², R³, R⁴, R⁵, R⁶, R⁷, R⁸ are each independently selected from thegroup consisting of:

—H, —(C₁-C₁₂)-alkyl, —O—(C₁-C₁₂)-alkyl, —O—(C₆-C₂₀)-aryl,—(C₆-C₂₀)-aryl, —S-alkyl, —S—aryl, halogen, COO—(C₁-C₁₂)-alkyl,CONH—(C₁-C₁₂)-alkyl, —CO—(C₁-C₁₂)-alkyl, —CO—(C₆-C₂₀)-aryl, —COOH, —OH,—SO₃H, —CN, —NH₂, and —N[(C₁-C₁₂)-alkyl]₂;

R¹′, R²′, R³′, R⁴′, R⁵′, R⁶′, R⁷′, R⁸′, R¹″, R²″, R³″, R⁴″, R⁵″, R⁶″,R⁷″, R⁸″ are each independently selected from the group consisting of:

—H, —(C₁-C₁₂)-alkyl, —O—(C₁-C₁₂)-alkyl, —O—(C₆-C₂₀)-aryl,—(C₆-C₂₀)-aryl, —S-alkyl, —S-aryl, halogen, COO—(C₁-C₁₂)-alkyl,CONH—(C₁-C₁₂)-alkyl, —CO—(C₁-C₁₂)-alkyl, —CO—(C₆-C₂₀)-aryl, —COOH, —OH,—SO₃H, —NH₂, and —N[(C₁-C₁₂)-alkyl]₂;

wherein the alkyl and aryl groups may be substituted, and two radicalsfrom at least one of the four following pairs of radicals are not thesame radical: R¹′ and R⁸′, R²′ and R⁷′, R³′ and R⁶′, R⁴′ and R⁵′; and/or

two radicals from at least one of the four following pairs of radicalsare not the same radical: R¹″ and R⁸′, R²″ and R⁷″, R³″ and R⁶″, R⁴″ andR⁵″.

In one embodiment, the invention provides a complex, comprising:

a compound as above; and

a metal atom selected from the group consisting of: Rh, Ru, Co, and Ir.

The invention also relates to a catalyst for catalyzing ahydroformylation reaction, comprising: the compound as above.

The invention further relates to a process for hydroformylation of anolefin, comprising:

a) initially charging an olefin into a reactor;

b) adding

-   -   i) a complex as above; or    -   ii) a compound as above and a substance having a metal atom        selected from the group consisting of: Rh, Ru, Co, and Ir;

c) feeding into said reactor H₂ and CO, to obtain a reaction mixture;

d) heating the reaction mixture, to obtain conversion of the olefin toan aldehyde.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a reaction apparatus in which a coupling reaction to giveunsymmetric biaryls can be conducted.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Any ranges mentioned herein below include all values and subvaluesbetween the lowest and highest limit of this range.

The present invention provides for a compound which has the generalstructure I:

where

R¹, R², R³, R⁴, R⁵, R⁶, R⁷, R⁸ are selected from:

—H, —(C₁-C₁₂)-alkyl, —O—(C₁-C₁₂)-alkyl, —O—(C₆-C₂₀)-aryl,—(C₆-C₂₀)-aryl, —S-alkyl, —S-aryl, halogen, COO—(C₁-C₁₂)-alkyl,CONH—(C₁-C₁₂)-alkyl, —CO—(C₁-C₁₂)-alkyl, —CO—(C₆-C₂₀)-aryl, —COOH, —OH,—SO₃H, —CN, —NH₂, —N[(C₁-C₁₂)-alkyl]₂;

R¹′, R²′, R³′, R⁴′, R⁵′, R⁶′, R⁷′, R⁸′, R¹″, R²″, R³″, R⁴″, R⁵″, R⁶″,R⁷″, R⁸″ are selected from:

—H, —(C₁-C₁₂)-alkyl, —O—(C₁-C₁₂)-alkyl, —O—(C₆-C₂₀)-aryl,—(C₆-C₂₀)-aryl, —S-alkyl, —S-aryl, halogen, COO—(C₁-C₁₂)-alkyl,CONH—(C₁-C₁₂)-alkyl, —CO—(C₁-C₁₂)-alkyl, —CO—(C₆-C₂₀)-aryl, —COOH, —OH,—SO₃H, —NH₂, —N[(C₁-C₁₂)-alkyl]₂;

where the alkyl and aryl groups mentioned may be substituted, and tworadicals from at least one of the four following pairs of radicals arenot the same radical: R¹′ and R⁸′, R²′ and R⁷′, R³′ and R⁶′, R⁴′ andR⁵′,

and/or two radicals from at least one of the four following pairs ofradicals are not the same radical: R¹″ and R⁸″, R²″ and R⁷″, R³″ andR⁶″, R⁴″ and R⁵″.

The feature “and the two radicals from at least one of the fourfollowing pairs of radicals are not the same radical: R¹′ and R⁸′, R²′and R⁷′, R³′ and R⁶′, R⁴′ and R⁵′ and/or the two radicals from at leastone of the four following pairs of radicals are not the same radical:R¹″ and R⁸″, R²″ and R⁷″, R³″ and R⁶″, R⁴″ and R⁵″” expresses the factthat at least one of the two outer biphenol units is a unsymmetricbiphenol. It is also possible that both outer biphenol units at the sametime are unsymmetric. In the case of unsymmetric biphenols, the twoaromatic systems cannot be imaged over one another by a mirror planebetween them.

Examples of permitted radical pairs are as follows:

R¹′≠R⁸′, R²′=R⁷′, R³′=R⁶′, R⁴′=R⁵′,

R¹′=R⁸′, R²′=R⁷′, R³′≠R⁶′, R⁴′=R⁵′.

But also radical pairs where more than one pair is nonidentical, forexample:

R¹′≠R⁸′, R²′=R⁷′, R³′≠R⁶′, R⁴′=R⁵′;

R¹′≠R⁸′, R²′≠R⁷′, R³′≠R⁶′, R⁴′=R⁵′.′

The only case ruled out is that in which all four pairs of radicals areeach the same radical in pairs:

R¹′=R⁸′, R²′=R⁷′, R³′=R⁶′, R⁴′=R⁵′.

This would be a symmetric biphenol.

The same applies analogously to the ″ radicals.

(C₁-C₁₂)-Alkyl and O—(C₁-C₁₂)-alkyl may each be unsubstituted orsubstituted by one or more identical or different radicals selected from(C₃-C₁₂)-cycloalkyl, (C₃-C₁₂)-heterocycloalkyl, (C₆-C₂₀)-aryl, fluorine,chlorine, cyano, formyl, acyl and alkoxycarbonyl.

(C₆-C₂₀)-Aryl and —(C₆-C₂₀)-aryl-(C₆-C₂₀)-aryl- may each beunsubstituted or substituted by one or more identical or differentradicals selected from:

—H, —(C₁-C₁₂)-alkyl, —O—(C₁-C₁₂)-alkyl, —O—(C₆-C₂₀)-aryl,—(C₆-C₂₀)-aryl, -halogen (such as Cl, F, Br, I), —COO—(C₁-C₁₂)-alkyl,—CONH—(C₁-C₁₂)-alkyl, —(C₆-C₂₀)-aryl-CON[(C₁-C₁₂)-alkyl]₂,—CO—(C₁-C₁₂)-alkyl, —CO—(C₆-C₂₀)-aryl, —COOH, —OH, —SO₃H, —SO₃Na, —NO₂.—CN, —NH₂, —N[(C₁-C₁₂)-alkyl]₂.

In the context of the invention, the expression “—(C₁-C₁₂)-alkyl”encompasses straight-chain and branched alkyl groups. Preferably, thesegroups are unsubstituted straight-chain or branched —(C₁-C₈)-alkylgroups and most preferably —(C₁-C₆)-alkyl groups. Examples of—(C₁-C₁₂)-alkyl groups are especially methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl,n-butyl, isobutyl, sec-butyl, tert-butyl, n-pentyl, 2-pentyl,2-methylbutyl, 3-methylbutyl, 1,2-dimethylpropyl, 1,1-dimethylpropyl,2,2-dimethylpropyl, 1-ethylpropyl, n-hexyl, 2-hexyl, 2-methylpentyl,3-methylpentyl, 4-methylpentyl, 1,1-dimethylbutyl, 1,2-dimethylbutyl,2,2-dimethylbutyl, 1,3-dimethylbutyl, 2,3-dimethylbutyl,3,3-dimethylbutyl, 1,1,2-trimethylpropyl, 1,2,2-trimethylpropyl,1-ethylbutyl, 1-ethyl-2-methylpropyl, n-heptyl, 2-heptyl, 3-heptyl,2-ethylpentyl, 1-propylbutyl, n-octyl, 2-ethylhexyl, 2-propylheptyl,nonyl, decyl.

The elucidations relating to the expression “—(C₁-C₁₂)-alkyl” also applyto the alkyl groups in —O—(C₁-C₁₂)-alkyl, i.e. in —(C₁-C₁₂)-alkoxy.Preferably, these groups are unsubstituted straight-chain or branched—(C₁-C₆)-alkoxy groups.

Substituted —(C₁-C₁₂)-alkyl groups and substituted —(C₁-C₁₂)-alkoxygroups may have one or more substituents, depending on their chainlength. The substituents are preferably each independently selected from—(C₃-C₁₂)-cycloalkyl, —(C₃-C₁₂)-heterocycloalkyl, —(C₆-C₂₀)-aryl,fluorine, chlorine, cyano, formyl, acyl and alkoxycarbonyl.

The expression “—(C₃-C₁₂)-cycloalkyl”, in the context of the presentinvention, encompasses mono-, bi- or tricyclic hydrocarbyl radicalshaving 3 to 12, especially 5 to 12, carbon atoms. These includecyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, cycloheptyl,cyclooctyl, cyclododecyl, cyclopentadecyl, norbornyl and adamantyl. Oneexample of a substituted cycloalkyl would be menthyl.

The expression “—(C₃-C₁₂)-heterocycloalkyl groups”, in the context ofthe present invention, encompasses nonaromatic saturated or partlyunsaturated cycloaliphatic groups having 3 to 12, especially 5 to 12,carbon atoms. The —(C₃-C₁₂)-heterocycloalkyl groups have preferably 3 to8, more preferably 5 or 6, ring atoms. In the heterocycloalkyl groups,as opposed to the cycloalkyl groups, 1, 2, 3 or 4 of the ring carbonatoms are replaced by heteroatoms or heteroatom-containing groups. Theheteroatoms or the heteroatom-containing groups are preferably selectedfrom —O—, —S—, —N—, —N(═O)—, —C(═O)— and —S(═O)—. Examples of—(C₃-C₁₂)-heterocycloalkyl groups are tetrahydrothiophenyl,tetrahydrofuryl, tetrahydropyranyl and dioxanyl.

In the context of the present invention, the expression “—(C₆-C₂₀)-aryland —(C₆-C₂₀)-aryl-(C₆-C₂₀)-aryl-” encompasses mono- or polycyclicaromatic hydrocarbyl radicals. These have 6 to 20 ring atoms, morepreferably 6 to 14 ring atoms, especially 6 to 10 ring atoms. Aryl ispreferably —(C₆-C₁₀)-aryl and —(C₆-C₁₀)-aryl-(C₆-C₁₀)-aryl-. Aryl isespecially phenyl, naphthyl, indenyl, fluorenyl, anthracenyl,phenanthrenyl, naphthacenyl, chrysenyl, pyrenyl, coronenyl. Moreparticularly, aryl is phenyl, naphthyl and anthracenyl.

Substituted —(C₆-C₂₀)-aryl groups and —(C₆-C₂₀)-aryl-(C₆-C₂₀)-arylgroups may have one or more (e.g. 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5) substituents,depending on the ring size. These substituents are preferably eachindependently selected from —H, —(C₁-C₁₂)-alkyl, —O—(C₁-C₁₂)-alkyl, —O—(C₆-C₂₀)-aryl, —(C₆-C₂₀)-aryl, -halogen (such as Cl, F, Br, I),—COO—(C₁-C₁₂)-alkyl, —CONH— (C₁-C₁₂)-alkyl,—(C₆-C₂₀)-aryl-CON[(C₁-C₁₂)-alkyl]₂, —CO—(C₁-C₁₂)-alkyl,—CO—(C₆-C₂₀)-aryl —COOH, —OH, —SO₃H, —SO₃Na, —NO₂, —CN, —NH₂,—N[(C₁-C₁₂)-alkyl]₂.

Substituted —(C₆-C₂₀)-aryl groups and —(C₆-C₂₀)-aryl-(C₆-C₂₀)-arylgroups are preferably substituted —(C₆-C₁₀)-aryl groups and—(C₆-C₁₀)-aryl-(C₆-C₁₀)-aryl groups, especially substituted phenyl orsubstituted naphthyl or substituted anthracenyl. Substituted—(C₆-C₂₀)-aryl groups preferably bear one or more, for example 1, 2, 3,4 or 5, substituents selected from —(C₁-C₁₂)-alkyl groups,—(C₁-C₁₂)-alkoxy groups.

In one embodiment, R¹, R², R³, R⁴, R⁵, R⁶, R⁷, R⁸ are selected from:

—H, —O—(C₁-C₁₂)-alkyl, —O—(C₆-C₂₀)-aryl, —S-alkyl, —S-aryl.

In one embodiment, R¹′, R²′, R³′, R⁴′, R⁵′, R⁶′, R⁷′, R⁸′ are selectedfrom:

—H, —(C₁-C₁₂)-alkyl, —O—(C₁-C₁₂)-alkyl, —O—(C₆-C₂₀)-aryl, —S-alkyl,—S-aryl.

In one embodiment, R¹″, R²″, R³″, R⁴″, R⁵″, R⁶″, R⁷″, R⁸″ are selectedfrom:

—H, —(C₁-C₁₂)-alkyl, —O—(C₁-C₁₂)-alkyl, —O—(C₆-C₂₀)-aryl, —S-alkyl,—S-aryl.

In one embodiment, R¹, R², R³, R⁴, R⁵, R⁶, R⁷, R⁸ are selected from:

—H, —(C₁-C₁₂)-alkyl, —O—(C₁-C₁₂)-alkyl, —O—(C₆-C₂₀)-aryl.

In one embodiment, R¹′, R²′, R³′, R⁴′, R⁵′, R⁶′, R⁷′, R⁸′ are selectedfrom:

—H, —(C₁-C₁₂)-alkyl, —O—(C₁-C₁₂)-alkyl, —O—(C₆-C₂₀)-aryl.

In one embodiment, R¹″, R²″, R³″, R⁴″, R⁵″, R⁶″, R⁷″, R⁸″ are selectedfrom:

—H, —(C₁-C₁₂)-alkyl, —O—(C₁-C₁₂)-alkyl, —O—(C₆-C₂₀)-aryl.

In one embodiment, R¹, R¹′ and R¹″ are the same radical and

R⁸, R⁸′ and R⁸″ are the same radical.

In one embodiment, R¹′ and R⁸′ are not the same radical and

R¹″ and R⁸″ are not the same radical.

In one embodiment, the two radicals from at least one of the fourfollowing pairs of radicals are not the same radical: R¹′ and R⁸′, R²′and R⁷′, R³′ and R⁶′, R⁴′ and R⁵′,

and the two radicals from at least one of the four following pairs ofradicals are not the same radical: R¹″ and R⁸″, R²″ and R⁷″, R³″ andR⁶″, R⁴″ and R⁵″.

In one embodiment, the two radicals from at least one of the fourfollowing pairs of radicals are not the same radical: R¹′ and R⁸′, R²′and R⁷′, R³′ and R⁶′, R⁴′ and R⁵′, and the two radicals from at leastone of the four following pairs of radicals are the same radical: R¹″and R⁸″, R²″ and R⁷″, R³″ and R⁶″, R⁴″ and R⁵″.

In one embodiment, at least one of the four radicals mentioned isdifferent from the other radicals: R¹′, R⁸′, R¹″, R⁸″.

In one embodiment, at least one of the four radicals mentioned isdifferent from the other radicals: R²′, R⁷′, R²″, R⁷″.

In one embodiment, at least one of the four radicals mentioned isdifferent from the other radicals: R³′, R⁶′, R³″, R⁶″.

In one embodiment, at least one of the four radicals mentioned isdifferent from the other radicals: R⁴′, R⁵′, R⁴″, R⁵″.

In one embodiment, the three radicals in the following groups of threeare each the same radical:

R¹=R¹′=R¹″,

R²=R²′=R²″,

R³=R³′=R³″,

R⁴=R⁴′=R⁴″,

R⁵=R⁵′=R⁵″,

R⁶=R⁶′=R⁶″,

In one embodiment, the compound has the formula (1):

As well as the compounds, also claimed is a complex comprising thesecompounds.

Complex comprising:

-   -   a compound described above,    -   a metal atom selected from: Rh, Ru, Co, Ir.

In a preferred embodiment, the metal is Rh.

In this regard, see R. Franke, D. Selent, A. Börner, “AppliedHydroformylation”, Chem. Rev., 2012, DOI:10.1021/cr3001803; p. 5688,Scheme 12 “General Method for the Preparation of a P-Modified Rhprecatalyst” and references cited therein, and also P. W. N. M. vanLeeuwen, in Rhodium Catalyzed Hydroformylation, P. W. N. M. van Leeuwen,C. Claver (eds.), Kluwer, Dordrecht, 2000, inter alia p. 48 ff., p. 233ff. and references cited therein, and also K. D. Wiese and D. Obst inTop. Organomet. Chem. 2006, 18, 1-13; Springer Verlag Berlin Heidelberg2006 p. 6 ff. and references cited therein.

Additionally claimed is the use of the compound as ligand in aligand-metal complex for catalysis of a hydroformylation reaction.

Use of a compound described above in a ligand-metal complex forcatalysis of a hydroformylation reaction.

The process in which the compound is used as ligand in a ligand-metalcomplex for conversion of an olefin to an aldehyde is likewise claimed.

A process comprising the following process steps:

a) initially charging an olefin,

b) adding an above-described complex,

or an above-described compound and a substance including a metal atomselected from: Rh, Ru, Co, Ir,

c) feeding in H₂ and CO,

d) heating the reaction mixture, with conversion of the olefin to analdehyde.

In this process, process steps a) to d) can be effected in any desiredsequence.

An excess of ligands can also be used in this case and each ligand isnot necessarily present bound in the form of a ligand-metal complex butis present as free ligand in the reaction mixture.

The reaction is conducted under customary conditions.

Preference is given to a temperature of 80° C. to 160° C. and a pressureof 1 bar to 300 bar.

Particular preference is given to a temperature of 100° C. to 160° C.and a pressure of 15 bar to 250 bar.

The reactants for the hydroformylation in the process of the inventionare olefins or mixtures of olefins, especially monoolefins having 2 to24, preferably 3 to 16 and more preferably 3 to 12 carbon atoms, havingterminal or internal C—C double bonds, for example 1-propene, 1- or2-pentene, 2-methyl-1 -butene, 2-methyl-2-butene, 3-methyl-1-butene, 1-,2- or 3-hexene, the C₆ olefin mixture obtained in the dimerization ofpropene (dipropene), heptenes, 2- or 3-methyl-1-hexenes, octenes,2-methylheptenes, 3-methylheptenes, 5-methyl-2-heptene,6-methyl-2-heptene, 2-ethyl-1-hexene, the C₈ olefin mixture obtained inthe dimerization of butenes (dibutene), nonenes, 2- or 3-methyloctenes,the C₉ olefin mixture obtained in the trimerization of propene(tripropene), decenes, 2-ethyl-1-octene, dodecenes, the C₁₂ olefinmixture obtained in the tetramerization or the trimerization of butenes(tetrapropene or dibutene), tetradecenes, hexadecenes, the C₁₆ olefinmixture obtained in the tetramerization of butenes (tetrabutane), andolefin mixtures prepared by cooligomerization of olefins havingdifferent numbers of carbon atoms (preferably 2 to 4).

Having generally described this invention, a further understanding canbe obtained by reference to certain specific examples which are providedherein for purposes of illustration only, and are not intended to belimiting unless otherwise specified.

EXAMPLES

The invention is illustrated in detail hereinafter by working examplesand a figure.

FIG. 1 shows a reaction apparatus in which the coupling reaction to givethe corresponding unsymmetric biaryls can be conducted. The apparatuscomprises a nickel cathode (1) and an anode composed of boron-dopeddiamond (BDD) on silicon (5). The apparatus can be cooled with the aidof a cooling jacket (3). The arrows indicate the flow direction of thecooling water. The reaction space is sealed by a Teflon stopper (2). Thereaction mixture is mixed by a magnetic stirrer bar (7). On the anodicside, the apparatus is sealed by screw clamps (4) and seals (6).

Analysis

Chromatography

The preparative liquid chromatography separations via flashchromatography were conducted with a maximum pressure of 1.6 bar on 60 Msilica gel (0.040-0.063 mm) from Macherey-Nagel GmbH & Co, Duren. Theunpressurized separations were conducted on Geduran Si 60 silica gel(0.063-0.200 ram) from Merck KGaA, Darmstadt. The solvents used aseluents (ethyl acetate (technical grade), cyclohexane (technical grade))had been purified by distillation beforehand on a rotary evaporator.

For thin-film chromatography (TLC), ready-made PSC silica gel 60 F254plates from Merck KGaA, Darmstadt were used. The Rf values are reportedas a function of the eluent mixture used. The TLC plates were stainedusing a cerium/molybdatophosphoric acid solution as immersion reagent.Cerium/molybdatophosphoric acid reagent: 5.6 g of molybdatophosphoricacid, 2.2 g of cerium(IV) sulphate tetrahydrate and 13.3 g ofconcentrated sulphuric acid to 200 ml of water.

Gas Chromatography (GC/GCMS)

The gas chromatography studies (GC) on product mixtures and puresubstances were effected with the aid of the GC-2010 gas chromatographfrom Shimadzu, Japan. Analysis is effected on an HP-5 quartz capillarycolumn from Agilent Technologies, USA (length: 30 m; internal diameter:0.25 mm; film thickness of the covalently bound stationary phase: 0.25μm; carrier gas: hydrogen; injector temperature: 250° C.; detectortemperature: 310° C.; programme: “hard” method: start temperature 50° C.for 1 min, heating rate: 15° C./min, end temperature 290° C. for 8 min).Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analyses (GC-MS) of productmixtures and pure substances were recorded with the aid of the GC-2010gas chromatograph combined with the GCMS-QP2010 mass detector fromShimadzu, Japan. Analysis is effected on an HP-1 quartz capillary columnfrom Agilent Technologies, USA (length: 30 m; internal diameter: 0.25mm; film thickness of the covalently bound stationary phase: 0.25 μm;carrier gas: hydrogen; injector temperature: 250° C.; detectortemperature: 310° C.; programme: “hard” method: start temperature 50° C.for 1 min, heating rate: 15° C./min, end temperature 290° C. for 8 min;GC-MS: ion source temperature: 200° C.).

Melting Points

Melting points were measured with the aid of the SG 2000 melting pointdetermination instrument from HW5, Mainz, and are uncorrected.

Elemental Analysis

The elemental analyses were conducted in the analytical division of theOrganic Chemistry department of the Johannes Gutenberg University ofMainz on a Vario EL Cube from Foss-Heraeus, Hanau.

Mass Spectrometry

All electrospray ionization analyses (ESI+) were conducted on a QT ofUltima 3 from Waters Micromasses, Milford, Mass. EI mass spectra and thehigh-resolution EI spectra were analysed on an instrument of the MAT 95XL sector field instrument type from ThermoFinnigan, Bremen.

NMR Spectroscopy

The NMR spectroscopy studies were conducted on multi-nucleus resonancespectrometers of the AC 300 or AV II 400 type from Bruker, AnalytischeMesstechnik, Karlsruhe. The solvent used was CDCI3. The 1H and 13Cspectra were calibrated according to the residual content ofundeuterated solvent using the NMR Solvent Data Chart from CambridgeIsotopes Laboratories, USA. Some of the 1H and 13C signals were assignedwith the aid of H,H-COSY, H,H-NOESY, H,C-HSQC and H,C-HMBC spectra. Thechemical shifts are reported as δ values in ppm. For the multiplicitiesof the NMR signals, the following abbreviations were used: s (singlet),bs (broad singlet), d (doublet), t (triplet), q (quartet), m(multiplet), dd (doublet of doublets), dt (doublet of triplets), tq(triplet of quartets). All coupling constants J were reported in hertz(Hz) together with the number of bonds covered. The numbering given inthe assignment of signals corresponds to the numbering shown in theformula schemes, which do not necessarily have to correspond to IUPACnomenclature.

General Operating Procedures

All the preparations which follow were carried out under protective gasusing standard Schlenk techniques. The solvents were dried over suitabledesiccants before use (Purification of Laboratory Chemicals, W. L. F.Armarego (Author), Christina Chai (Author), Butterworth Heinemann(Elsevier), 6th edition, Oxford 2009).

Synthesis of Unsymmetric Biphenols

The unsymmetric biphenols were prepared by an electrochemical method bycoupling two phenols which differ in terms of oxidation potential. Inthis regard, see also B. Eisler, D. Schollmeyer, K. M. Dyballa, R.Franke, S. R. Waidvogel, “Metall- and reagensfreie hochselektiveanodische Kreuzkupplung von Phenolen” [Metal- and Reagent-FreeHigh-Selectivity Anodic Cross-Coupling of Phenols], Angew. Chem., 2014,DOI: 10.1002/ange.201400627

General Procedure:

The coupling reaction was conducted in an apparatus as shown in FIG. 1.

5 mmol of the first phenol having an oxidation potential E_(Ox)2together with 15 mmol of the second phenol having an oxidation potentialE_(Ox)2 are dissolved in 1,1,1,3,3,3-hexafluoroisopropanol (HFIP) andMeOH or in formic acid and MeOH in the amounts specified in Table 1below. The electrolysis is galvanostatic. The outer shell of theelectrolysis cell is kept at a controlled temperature of about 10° C. bymeans of a thermostat, while the reaction mixture is stirred and heatedto 50° C. with the aid of a sand bath. After the electrolysis has ended,the cell contents are transferred together with toluene to a 50 mlround-bottom flask and the solvent is removed on a rotary evaporator at50° C., 200-70 mbar, under reduced pressure. Unconverted reactant isrecovered by means of short-path distillation (100° C., 10⁻³ mbar).

Electrode material Anode: boron-doped diamond (BDD) on Si Cathode: Nimesh Electrolysis conditions: Temperature [T]: 50° C. Current [I]: 15 mACurrent density [j]: 2.8 mA/cm² Charge [Q]: 2 F/mol of deficiencycomponent Terminal voltage [U_(max)]: 3-5 V

The biphenols were synthesized by the general method described above,and in a reaction apparatus as shown in FIG. 1.

2,2′-Dihydroxy-3-methoxy-5-methyl-4′-(dimethylethyl)biphenyl

0.69 g (5 mmol, 1.0 equiv.) of 4-methylguaiacol and 2.25 g (15 mmol, 3.0equiv.) of 3-tert-butylphenol were dissolved in 33 ml of 1, 1, 1, 3, 3,3-hexafluoroisopropanol (HFIP), 0.68 g of methyltriethylammoniummethylsulphate (MTES) was added and the electrolyte was transferred tothe electrolysis cell. After the electrolysis, the solvent andunconverted amounts of reactant are removed under reduced pressure, thecrude product is purified by flash chromatography on silica gel 60 in a4:1 eluent (cyclohexane:ethyl acetate) and the product is obtained as acolourless solid.

Yield: 808 mg (63%, 3.1 mmol)

GC (hard method, HP-5): t_(R)=13.97 min

R_(f)(CH:EA=4:1)=0.29

m_(p)=160.3° C. (recrystallized from DCM/CH)

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ=1.37 (s, 9H, 12-H), 2.36 (s, 3H, 9-H), 3.94(s, 3H, 8-H), 6.25 (s, 1H, 7-H), 6.48 (s, 1H, 10-H), 6.75 (d, 1H, 6-H),6.79 (d, 1H, 4-H), 7.08 (dd, 1H, 5′-H), 7.12 (d, 1H, 3′-H), 7.27 (d, 1H,6′-H);

Couplings: ⁴J_(4-H,6-H)=1.7 Hz; ³J_(5′-H, 6′-H)=8.0 Hz,⁴J_(3′-H, 5′-H)=1.7 Hz;

¹³C NMR (101 MHz, CDCl₃) δ=21.24 (C-9), 31.31 (C-12), 34.58 (C-11),56.15 (C-8), 110.79 (C-4), 114.94 (C-3′), 118.30 (C-5′), 122.37 (C-1′),123.88 (C-1), 123.94 (C-6), 130.45 (C-6′), 130.53 (C-4′), 139.24 (C-5),146.32 (C-3), 152.91 (C-2′), 153.13 (C-2).

HRMS for C₁₅H₁₆O₄ (ESI+) [M+Na⁺]: calc: 309.1467, found: 309.1466

MS (EI, GCMS): m/z(%): 242 (100) [M]⁺, 227 (38) [M-CH₃]⁺.

Elemental analysis for C₁₈H₂₂O₃: calc: 75.50%, H: 7.74%, found: C:75.41%, H: 7.72%.

Synthesis of the Ligands6,6′-((4′-(tert-Butyl)-3-methoxy-5-methyl-[1,1′-biphenyl]-2,2′-diyl)bis(oxy))bis(9-(tert-butyl)-4-methoxy-2-methyldibenzo[d,f][1,3,2]dioxaphosphepin)

A solution of4′-(tert-butyl)-3-methoxy-5-methyl-[1,1′-biphenyl]-2,2′-diol (0.274 g;0.957 mmol) in THF (10 ml) was admixed with a solution of twoequivalents of n-butyllithium in hexane (3.59 ml) at −20° C., themixture obtained was stirred at this temperature for another 20 min andthen a solution of9-(tert-butyl)-6-chloro-4-methoxy-2-methyldibenzo[d,f][1,3,2]dioxaphosphepin(0.792 g; 2.258 mmol) in THF (11 ml) was added at room temperature. Thereaction mixture was stirred overnight and the solvent was removed underreduced pressure. Toluene (25 ml) was added and the resulting suspensionwas filtered. The filtrate was filtered once again through silica geland the solvent was removed under reduced pressure. The resultant solidwas dried at 50° C./0.1 mbar for 3 h. Yield: 0.856 g (0.936 mmol; 98%).

Elemental analysis (calc. for C₅₄H₆₀O₉P₂=915.01 g/mol) C 70.67 (70.88);H 6.52 (6.61); P 6.69 (6.77) %.

³¹P NMR (CD₂Cl₂): 141.9 (d, J_(PP)=7.8 Hz); 142.2 (d, J_(PP)=7.8 Hz);145.1 (d, J_(PP)=7.8 Hz); 145.2 (d, J_(PP)=7.8 Hz) ppm.

¹H NMR (CD₂Cl₂): 1.22-1.33 (dd, 18 H); 1.37 (m, 9 H); 2.42 (m, 9 H);3.81-3.88 (dd, 6 H); 4.02 (s, 3 H); 6.79-6.85 (m, 3 H, H_(arom)); 6.88(m, 2 H, H_(arom)); 6.90-6.98 (m, 1 H, H_(arom)); 6.95 (m, 1 H,H_(arom)); 7.00-7.05 (m, 1 H, H_(arom)); 7.20-7.35 (m, 4 H, H_(arpm));7.37-7.44 (m, 3 H, H_(arom)) ppm.

6,6′-((4′-(tert-Butyl)-3-methoxy-5-methyl-[1,1′-biphenyl]-2,2′-diyl)bis(oxy))didibenzo[d,f][1,3,2]dioxaphosphepin

A solution of4′-(tert-butyl)-3-methoxy-5-methyl-[1,1′-biphenyl]-2,2′-diol (0.489 g;1.708 mmol) in toluene (12 ml) was admixed with pyridine (0.389 g; 3.844mmol) and the resultant mixture was added dropwise at 3° C. to asolution of 6-chlorodibenzo[d,f][1,3,2]dioxaphosphepin (0.942 g; 3.758mmol) in toluene (12 ml). The reaction mixture was stirred overnight andthen filtered. The filtrate was concentrated to dryness under reducedpressure and the resultant solid was dried at 50° C./0.1 mbar. Theremaining substance was purified by column chromatography(hexane/toluene, 1:2, R_(f)=0,3). Yield: 0.738 g (1.032 mmol; 58%).

Elemental analysis (calc. for C₄₂H₃₆O₇P₂=714.69 g/ mol) C 70.59 (70.58);H 5.28 (5.08); P 8.85 (8.67) %.

³¹P NMR (CD₂Cl₂): 144.3 (d, J_(PP)=9.1 Hz); 148.1 (d, J_(PP)=9.1 Hz)ppm.

¹H NMR (CD₂Cl₂): 1.51 (m, 9 H); 2.45 (m, 3 H); 4.06 (s, 3 H); 6.80-6.87(m, 3 H, H_(arom)); 6.98-7.03 (m, 2 H, H_(arom)); 7.03-7.05 (m, 1 H,H_(arom)); 7.28-7.35 (m, 8 H, H_(arom)); 7.35-7.38 (m, 1 H, H_(arom));7.38-7.43 (m, 2 H, H_(arom)); 7.46-7.54 (m, 4 H, H_(arom)) ppm.

¹³C NMR (CD₂Cl₂): 21.5; 57.0; 113.8; 118.4 (d, J_(CP)=10.1 Hz); 121.8;122.5 (d, J_(CP)=14.1 Hz); 124.9; 125.5 (d, J_(CP)=17.3 Hz); 127.9;128.7; 129.4; 129.4 (d, J_(CP)=16.8 Hz); 130.1 (d, J_(CP)=16.1 Hz);131.3; 131.5; 131.6; 132.0; 134.4; 138.0; 149.5 (d, J_(CP)=4.8 Hz);149.7 (d, J_(CP)=4.4 Hz); 149.8 (d, J_(CP)=7.0 Hz); 151.2 (d, J_(CP)=3.2Hz); 153.4 ppm.

Procedure for the Catalysis Experiments

The hydroformylation was conducted in a 200 ml autoclave equipped withpressure-retaining valve, gas flow meter, sparging stirrer and pressurepipette from Premex Reactor AG, Lengau, Switzerland. To minimize theinfluence of moisture and oxygen, the toluene used as solvent was driedwith sodium ketyl and distilled under argon. The following substratesused as substrate were heated at reflux over sodium and distilled underargon for several hours: 1-octene (Aldrich), cis/trans-2-pentene(Aldrich) and n-octenes (Oxeno GmbH, octene isomer mixture of 1-octene:˜3%; cis+trans-2-octene; ˜49%; cis+trans-3-octene: ˜29%;cis+trans-octene-4: ˜16%; structurally isomeric oetenes: ˜3%).

For the experiments, the following solutions of rhodium in the form of[(acac)Rh(COD)] (acac=acetylacetonate anion; COD=1,5-cyclooctadiene)(OMG AG & Co. KG, Hanau, DE) as the catalyst precursor were introducedinto the autoclave in toluene under an argon atmosphere: for experimentsat 100 ppm by mass of rhodium 10 ml of a 4.31 millimolar solution, for40 ppm by mass the same amount of an appropriately diluted solution. Theappropriate amount of the phosphite compound, generally 2 to 5 ligandequivalents per unit rhodium, dissolved in toluene was then added. Byadding further toluene (the total mass of toluene was determined for theGC analysis, see below), the starting volume of the catalyst solutionwas adjusted to a) 41.0 ml in the case of intended addition of 15 ml ofthe olefin via the pressure pipette (1-octene, n-octenes and experimentswith elevated 2-pentene concentration), or b) 51.9 ml in the case ofintended addition of 4.1 ml of 2-pentene. The mass of toluene introducedwas determined in each case. Starting weights of the olefins: 1-octene(10.62 g; 94.64 mmol), n-octenes (10.70 g; 95.35 mmol), 2-pentene 9.75g; 139.00 mmol. The autoclave was heated while stirring (1500 rpm) tothe temperatures stated in each case at a total gas pressure (synthesisgas: Linde; H₂ (99.999%):CO (99.997%)=1:1) of a) 42 bar for a finalpressure of 50 bar; b) 12 bar for a final pressure of 20 bar and c) 7bar for a final pressure of 10 bar. After reaching the reactiontemperature, the synthesis gas pressure was increased to a) 48.5 bar fora final pressure of 50 bar, b) 19.5 bar for a final pressure of 20 barand c) 9.5 bar for a final pressure of 10 bar and the olefin (mixture)specified in the table in each case was injected under a positivepressure of about 3 bar set in the pressure pipette. The reaction wasconducted at a constant pressure of 50, 20 or 10 bar (closed-looppressure controller from Bronkhorst, the Netherlands) over 4 h. Afterthe reaction time had elapsed, the autoclave was cooled to roomtemperature, decompressed while stirring and purged with argon. 1 ml ofeach reaction mixture was removed immediately after the stirrer had beenswitched off, diluted with 5 ml of pentane and analysed by gaschromatography: HP 5890 Series H plus, PONA, 50 m×0.2 mm×0.5 μm;residual olefin and aldehyde were determined quantitatively against thetoluene solvent as internal standard.

Results of the Catalysis Experiments

Solvent:toluene

Yld.=yield

p=pressure in [bar]

T=temperature in [° C.]

t=time in [h]

[Rh]=rhodium concentration in [ppm]

L/Rh=ratio of ligand to rhodium

The comparative ligand used was the ligand 2.

The inventive compound is identified by *.

TABLE 1 1-Octene p T t [Rh] Yld. Ligand (bar) (° C.) (h) (ppm) L/Rh (%)1* 50 100 4 40 2 91 2  50 100 4 40 2 90

As can be inferred from Table 1, the already very good yield of ligand 2can be increased once again.

TABLE 2 2-Pentene p T t [Rh] Yld. Ligand (bar) (° C.) (h) (ppm) L/Rh (%)1* 20 120 4 100 2 98 2  20 120 4 100 2 93

As can be inferred from Table 2, the already very good yield of ligand 2can be increased markedly once again.

As the experimental results show, the stated problem is solved by theinventive compounds.

It has been possible for the first time to generate a bisphosphite whichhas an unsymmetric outer biphenol unit and has very goodhydroformylation properties.

Such specific structures and ligands of this kind were entirely unknownand unobtainable to date.

These bisphosphites have novel asymmetry. The special feature here isthe asymmetry within the outer biphenol unit, which leads to unsymmetricbisphosphites. These unsymmetric bisphosphites are thus structurallyentirely different from the bisphosphites described in the related art,in which unsymmetric bisphosphite ligands are generated via a particulararrangement of symmetric biphenol units, for example in that the twoouter units differ, but the individual units (central unit and outerunits) are symmetric per se.

European patent application EP14196187.0 filed Dec. 4, 2014, isincorporated herein by reference.

Numerous modifications and variations on the present invention arepossible in light of the above teachings. It is therefore to beunderstood that within the scope of the appended claims, the inventionmay be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A compound of formula (I):

wherein: R¹, R², R³, R⁴, R⁵, R⁶, R⁷, R⁸ are each independently selectedfrom the group consisting of —H, —(C₁-C₁₂)-alkyl, —O—(C₁-C₁₂)-alkyl,—O—(C₆-C₂₀)-aryl, —(C₆-C₂₀)-aryl, —S-alkyl, —S-aryl, halogen,COO—(C₁-C₁₂)-alkyl, CONH—(C₁-C₁₂)-alkyl, —CO—(C₁-C₁₂)-alkyl,—CO—(C₆-C₂₀)-aryl, —COOH, —OH, —SO₃H, —CN, —NH₂, and—N[(C₁-C₁₂)-alkyl]₂; R¹′, R²′, R³′, R⁴′, R⁵′, R⁶′, R⁷′, R⁸′, R¹″, R²″,R³″, R⁴″, R⁵″, R⁶″, R⁷″, R⁸″ are each independently selected from thegroup consisting of —H, —(C₁-C₁₂)-alkyl, —O—(C₁-C₁₂)-alkyl,—O—(C₆-C₂₀)-aryl, —(C₆-C₂₀)-aryl, —S-alkyl, —S-aryl, halogen,COO—(C₁-C₁₂)-alkyl, CONH—(C₁-C₁₂)-alkyl, —CO—(C₁-C₁₂)-alkyl,—CO—(C₆-C₂₀)-aryl, —COOH, —OH, —SO₃H, —NH₂, and —N[(C₁-C₁₂)-alkyl]₂;wherein the alkyl and aryl groups may be substituted; R¹′ and R⁸′ arenot the same radical; and R¹″ and R⁸″ are not the same radical.
 2. Thecompound according to claim 1, wherein R¹, R², R³, R⁴, R⁵, R⁶, R⁷, R⁸are each independently selected from the group consisting —H,—(C₁-C₁₂)-alkyl, —O—(C₁-C₁₂)-alkyl, —O—(C₆-C₂₀)-aryl, —S-alkyl, and—S-aryl.
 3. The compound according to claim 1, wherein R¹, R², R³, R⁴,R⁵, R⁶, R⁷, R⁸ are each independently selected from the group consistingof —H, —(C₁-C₁₂)-alkyl, —O—(C₁-C₁₂)-alkyl, and —O—(C₆-C₂₀)-aryl.
 4. Thecompound according to claim 1, wherein R¹″, R²″, R³″, R⁴″, R⁵″, R⁶″,R⁷″, R⁸″ are each independently selected from the group consisting of—H, —(C₁-C₁₂)-alkyl, —O—(C₁-C₁₂)-alkyl, and —O—(C₆-C₂₀)-aryl.
 5. Thecompound according to claim 4, wherein R¹, R², R³, R⁴, R⁵, R⁶, R⁷, R⁸are each independently selected from the group consisting of —H,—(C₁-C₁₂)-alkyl, —O—(C₁-C₁₂)-alkyl, and —O—(C₆-C₂₀)-aryl.
 6. Thecompound according to claim 1, wherein R¹′, R²′, R³′, R⁴′, R⁵′, R⁶′,R⁷′, R⁸′ are each independently selected from the group consisting of—H, —(C₁-C₁₂)-alkyl, —O—(C₁-C₁₂)-alkyl, and —O—(C₆-C₂₀)-aryl.
 7. Thecompound according to claim 2, wherein R¹″, R²″, R³″, R⁴″, R⁵″, R⁶″,R⁷″, R⁸″ are each independently selected from the group consisting of—H, —(C₁-C₁₂)-alkyl, —O—(C₁-C₁₂)-alkyl, and —O—(C₆-C₂₀)-aryl.
 8. Thecompound according to claim 1, wherein: R¹, R¹′ and R¹″ are the sameradical; and R⁸, R⁸′ and R⁸″ are the same radical.
 9. The compoundaccording to claim 1, wherein: two radicals from at least one of thethree following pairs of radicals are not the same radical: R²′ and R⁷′,R³′ and R⁶′, R⁴′ and R⁵′; and two radicals from at least one of thethree following pairs of radicals are not the same radical: R²″ and R⁷″,R³″ and R⁶″, R⁴″ and R⁵″.
 10. The compound according to claim 2,wherein: two radicals from at least one of the three following pairs ofradicals are not the same radical: R²′ and R⁷′, R³′ and R⁶′, R⁴′ andR⁵′; and two radicals from at least one of the three following pairs ofradicals are the same radical: R²″ and R⁷″, R³″ and R⁶″, R⁴″ and R⁵″.11. A complex, comprising: a compound according to claim 1; and a metalatom selected from the group consisting of: Rh, Ru, Co, and Ir.
 12. Acatalyst for catalyzing a hydroformylation reaction, the catalystcomprising the compound according to claim 1 complexed to a metal.
 13. Aprocess for hydroformylation of an olefin, the process comprising: a)initially charging an olefin into a reactor; b) adding the complexaccording to claim 11 to the reactor; c) feeding H₂ and CO into thereactor, to obtain a reaction mixture; and d) heating the reactionmixture, to convert the olefin to an aldehyde by hydroformylation.
 14. Aprocess for hydrofomrylation of an olefin, the process comprising: a)initially charging an olefin into a reactor; b) adding the compoundaccording to claim 1 and a substance having a metal atom selected fromthe group consisting of Rh, Ru, Co, and Ir to the reactor; c) feeding H₂and CO into the reactor, to obtain a reaction mixture; and d) heatingthe reaction mixture, to convert the olefin to an aldehyde byhydroformylation.